With cyber attacks becoming increasingly common in the business world, it is crucial for companies to prioritize their cybersecurity efforts. A recent survey found that 58 percent of German companies were affected by cyber attacks last year. The emergence of new technologies such as quantum computers and artificial intelligence raises concerns about the potential escalation of cybercrime. Consequently, security departments are investing in technological advancements to strengthen their defenses. Nils Gerhardt, CTO of Utimaco, has identified five trends that could play a significant role in IT security discussions in 2024.
Table of Contents: What awaits you in this article
Securing the Digital Space against Quantum Computers
The development of quantum computers is progressing rapidly, with IBM recently unveiling the first 1,000 qubit quantum chip, a significant milestone in the field. It is becoming increasingly evident that this technology will eventually reach mainstream adoption and become widely available. However, the superior computing power of quantum computers could potentially break encryption algorithms that are currently considered secure. This poses a significant challenge for data security and necessitates the development of quantum-resistant encryption methods to ensure the continued protection of sensitive information.
With the advancement of quantum computers, the security of current encryption algorithms is at risk. This opens up alarming possibilities for cybercriminals to exploit. To counter this threat, new encryption algorithms are being developed that cannot be cracked in real time even with quantum computers. To ensure future-proof security, it is essential for businesses to embrace crypto-agility and design their systems in a way that allows for a smooth transition to the new quantum-resistant algorithms when necessary.
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Trust Issues
Artificial Intelligence (AI) will continue to be a relevant topic in 2024. While the technology is becoming more sophisticated, it also exposes its dark side. AI can be used to create increasingly realistic deep fakes, which criminals can exploit for malicious attacks. This raises concerns about privacy, security, and the spread of disinformation. It is crucial for organizations to develop robust detection and verification methods to combat the potential misuse of AI-generated content.
Artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to assist in the programming of malicious code, leading to an increase in the frequency of cyber attacks. To address these challenges, reliable methods are required to differentiate human activities from machine-generated ones. Technologies that can provide trust in the digital space are becoming increasingly important in order to manage the influx of AI-generated content.
The Interplay Between Sustainability and Cybersecurity: A Closer Look
The close connection between IT system security and sustainable business practices is evident, as cyber-attacks can result in significant losses of time, money, and energy. To ensure a robust data foundation along complex supply chains, companies are increasingly relying on IoT technologies. However, the digitalization of supply chains also increases vulnerability to cyber-attacks. Therefore, expanding information infrastructure in support of ESG initiatives must always be accompanied by thorough security considerations.
Strengthening Security: Building Resilient Infrastructures for Cyber Protection
Companies are increasingly establishing their own secure infrastructures that create a logical overlay on top of physical infrastructures provided by external vendors. This approach aims to enhance security by implementing encryption within the logical infrastructure and ensure resilience by integrating multiple physical communication channels.
Cybersecurity Skills Shortage: A Major Challenge for Businesses
The shortage of skilled professionals in the field of cybersecurity is becoming an increasingly urgent problem. According to a recent international survey conducted by Fortinet, 68 percent of companies acknowledge that the lack of IT security experts exposes them to additional risks. In order to address this issue, organizations are increasingly turning to external, cloud-based security solutions and implementing upskilling programs within their own workforce.
The Future of IT Security: Challenges, Trends, and Opportunities in 2024
The field of IT security is facing significant challenges and opportunities. The emergence of trends such as post-quantum cryptography, artificial intelligence (AI) and trust, the interplay between sustainability and cyber-security, infrastructural resilience, and the shortage of skilled professionals will shape the discussions in 2024. Companies that proactively adapt to these trends and implement appropriate measures will be able to enhance their digital security in a sustainable manner.
